Chelsea’s Premier League hopes took a hit on Saturday night as a last-gasp Brentford equaliser denied them a win at the Gtech Stadium.
The Blues looked poised to go top of the table after Moises Caicedo fired a stunning 85th-minute strike, but Fabio Carvalho snatched a stoppage-time goal to leave the game 2-2.
Redknapp Criticises Garnacho’s Defensive Lapse
Jamie Redknapp singled out Chelsea debutant Alejandro Garnacho for the late setback.
Signed from Manchester United for £40million this summer, the 21-year-old winger struggled in defence during Brentford’s final attack.
Garnacho was tasked with marking Carvalho at the back post during a late long throw and, according to Redknapp, “fell asleep at the vital moment.”
The Build-Up to the Equaliser
Redknapp broke down the key moment on Sky Sports, highlighting the chaos in the Chelsea penalty area.
“Everyone is trying to win that first contact. It’s not easy with Brentford’s big players, but Garnacho wasn’t concentrating,” he explained.
“The ball comes in, he loses focus, and there’s Carvalho at the back post. That’s where it all goes wrong.”
Bright Spots Amid the Disappointment
Despite the defensive error, Garnacho showed glimpses of promise in attack.
The Argentine played a key role in the build-up to Caicedo’s late stunner, demonstrating the skill that earned him a big-money move from Manchester United.
Cole Palmer also came off the bench to score Chelsea’s second goal, calmly finishing a header from Joao Pedro.
Chelsea Stay Unbeaten
While the draw was frustrating, Chelsea remain undefeated in the Premier League after four matches, sitting fifth with two wins and two draws.
The team now looks ahead to tightening up at the back while giving new signings like Garnacho time to settle in.
Competition for Wing Spots
Garnacho faces stiff competition at Stamford Bridge, with Jamie Gittens, Estevao Williams, and Pedro Neto all vying for the wide roles.
The winger will be eager to impress manager Enzo Maresca and establish himself as a key figure in Chelsea’s attack.
A Record-Breaking Transfer
Garnacho’s move to Chelsea set a record for Manchester United’s academy, surpassing the £24.5m they received for David Beckham in 2003.
He signed a seven-year deal with the Blues on August 30, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career.